Venezuela Crisis: US instructs its Embassy to get rid of Refugee Families within its Walls

As protests in Venezuela deepens, the United States has ordered families who had taken refuge at its embassy to leave.

The standing order was issued on Thursday.

Venezuela, an oil-rich South American country, has recently witnessed civil unrest ahead of its upcoming votes which political analysts believe will provide a platform to end democracy.

The protests were against President Nicolas Maduro’s political plan to carry out votes to institute an all new powerful Constituent Assembly on Sunday.

This legislative powerhouse will have the power to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution and dissolve any existing legislature controlled by the opposition. Maduro’s plan has also been criticized as the president’s idea aimed at hijacking governmental powers and cementing his long-time hold on it.

In its efforts to curb Maduro’s increasing powers, the United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions against 13 current and former officials for “corruption, undermining democracy, and participating in repression.”

Over five persons have died in the protests.

According to a report from Reuters, Jorge Millan, an opposition member of the parliament, said the plot to mount roadblocks at strategic points across the nation on Friday will not change.

“The Takeover of Venezuela” will serve as the slogan against Maduro’s unpopular leftist government.

The US government warned that sanctions against Venezuela may become necessary if Maduro’s government proceeds with the vote to institute an over-riding legislative body.

Apart from the instructions to all families taking refuse at the US embassy building, the US State Department has ordered all Americans in its payroll to consider a voluntary departure from it location is Caracas.

The Venezuelan government imposed a ban against protests between Friday and Tuesday, and the restriction is expected to spark more violence around the country.

Movements have been restricted as citizens and residents now stay indoors to avoid falling victims, and people are stocking food supplies ahead of an expected scarcity and price hike.

Over 110 persons have died since the crisis started in April; nationwide strikes have also been a recurring event since agitations increased within the country.

However, the citizens are divided in their opinions regarding the sit-at-home method.

“I am not in support of Maduro’s government, and I agree that all hands must be on deck if we are to survive this mess,” said Ramon Alvarez, a 45-year-old barber at his shop in Barinas, “but I depend on my work as the only source of livelihood. My family will starve if I join in the protests.”